Microsoft announced the winners of the two pioneering education initiatives in Oman, ‘KuduKup competition’ and the ‘Innovate, Teach, Inspire’ project.

The competitions were held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

KoduKup competition was designed for students, aged 10 to 18, to design, build and submit their own video games using the Microsoft Kodu Game Lab software, which is an easy-to-use game design tool that promotes interest in future careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

This year’s KoduKup winning team comprises of Ohood Al Yafei (teacher), Shaimaa Hassan (student), Rawan Al Yafei (student) and Ganahat Khalid (student).

As part of the “Innovate, Teach, Inspire (ITI)” project, 60 master teachers were trained on the 'Windows in the Classroom' curriculum and the 21st Century Learning Design: Learning activities embedding 21st Century Skills.

Three teachers, Ohood Al Yafei, Fahad Bin Nasser Bin Ahmed Alglendani and HananAlmamari, were awarded for their 'Virtual Classroom Tour' project.

Issa Khalfan Al Anqoudi, the deputy director, Educational Technology Department, e-learning section, Ministry of Education lauded the winners on their achievements and said: “They have all gained valuable experience in utilising IT in the learning / teaching process and we hope to see more initiatives and constructive partnerships with giant companies such as Microsoft.”  - TradeArabia News Service